Asymptomatic testing

“Please get tested and help to keep Bristol safe.”

In light of rising COVID-19 infection rates in Bristol, the local authority has added new ways for residents to access asymptomatic community testing.

A new walk-in PCR testing site has opened at Bristol Harbour, Hanover Quay, for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, in particular young people visiting or meeting with friends in the area, local hospitality and leisure staff and nearby residents.

Director for Communities and Public Health, Christina Gray said: “We are once again at a critical point in the pandemic, with the number of infections per 100,000 of the population back up at over 100, from less than 20 just four weeks ago. This rate is rising sharply every day, and we’re seeing people unwell with COVID-19 in our hospitals again, putting additional pressure on our NHS. After the last eighteen months of hard work and sacrifice we’ve all given, this is the last thing we want to see for Bristol. “A high number of cases are in our under 30 age group, so we’ve opened up a new asymptomatic PCR testing unit in the centre of the city where people are outside enjoying the nice weather and meeting with friends in our pubs and bars. We have a young, vibrant population in Bristol, many of whom are still yet to receive both doses of their vaccination.

“Our aim is to encourage as many people in that group to come and get a PCR test even if they don’t have symptoms; the tests are sensitive to picking up infection and will help to keep people safe as the vaccination programme continues to pick up pace.

One in three people carrying the virus do not display symptoms and we need to find these cases so that people can isolate and stop the spread.

“I know it’s tiring to keep hearing the same messages over and over again, but a few small actions really do make a difference. Please keep washing your hands, covering your face where necessary and giving others space. Keep taking your regular lateral flow (rapid) tests twice a week. If you’re 18 and over, please book in your vaccination.”

Lateral flow (rapid) tests are available to everyone in Bristol through local pharmacies, collection sites in the city and by ordering packs online at GOV.uk.

The local authority is now providing packs of lateral flow (rapid) tests at some sports venues and leisure centres in the city, making it even easier for people to pick up tests on the go. Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, Cllr Asher Craig said: “Asymptomatic testing is so important in helping our Public Health teams identify infection and enable people to safely self-isolate and cut off chains of transmission. This new site in the beating heart of our city centre will provide more easy avenues for our young people to get tested and keep Bristol safe. “I know many of our younger population are desperate to book in their vaccination and new appointments are being put on the system every day. While you’re waiting for your jab, I encourage you to make use of these new sites in the city, and to please continue taking your lateral flow (rapid) tests twice a week. Many of the cases we’re seeing in Bristol at the moment are being picked up through lateral flow (rapid) tests. “Please get tested and help to keep Bristol safe.”

To find out where to access lateral flow (rapid) tests near you, visit the local authority’s rapid testing guide. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test on GOV.uk or by calling 119. Support is on offer through the We Are Bristol helpline for anyone who needs emergency assistance getting food, medicines or guidance about financial support to selfisolate. Call 0800 694 0184 for free if you need help.

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VITAL CHARITY JESSIE MAY CALL FOR SUPPORT DURING CHILDRENS HOSPICE WEEK

“Me and my family are pushed to our limits every day. Jessie May can’t be pushed to theirs”

Finding out their child will have a short life sends a family into freefall. Jessie May is able to catch them, to offer vital support, in the family's own home. This year’s Children’s Hospice Week (21st - 25th June) marks the start of the Jessie May Summer Appeal. An important time for us to share aspects of the crucial work we do.

One of the children Jessie May supports is 9-month-old Alessi. Alessi was born during the COVID Pandemic, and was diagnosed with severe Cerebral Palsy after a complicated labour. Reagan, Alessi’s mum, relies on Jessie May.

“I’d had a straightforward pregnancy and was looking forward to welcoming a new bundle of joy to our family. But the labour was far from straightforward. Many things happened but ultimately Alessi’s heartbeat stopped. Once she was here, we were told the news no Mum or Dad ever wants to hear: our daughter was unlikely to live for very long. In fact, they said they’d be surprised if she made it past the first day. And after a year in and out of lockdown, with Alessi in and out of hospital, and cut off from our support networks - we feel pushed to our limits. Some days we don’t know how we can go any longer.

There’s no one else in our family, bar Mitch and I, who can care for Alessi. No one who can relieve us. Except the Jessie May nurses, they are trained professionals and I know Alessi is safe when she is with them.

If I need someone, they’re there. They’re helping us rebuild from the trauma of Alessi’s birth and diagnosis, and without them, life would be very different. Me and my family are pushed to our limits every day. Jessie May can’t be pushed to theirs.”

More and more children are being diagnosed with serious illnesses – putting more and more pressure on hospice services like Jessie May. If they are to help every family like Alessi’s they need the continued support of the general public and local businesses to do so. Support Jessie May this

Children’s Hospice Week, by making a donation or by pushing yourself to your limits and taking part in a fundraising challenge.

9 months later and Alessi needs round the clock care. She regularly has terrifying seizures and needs to be suctioned constantly and tube fed. Me and Mitch - her dad, take turns to sleep so that someone is always with her. At the same time, it’s a constant struggle to get the support we need – emotionally, financially and practically. You can read the full story, or make a donation on their website here: www.jessiemay. org.uk/pushed-to-the-limits